Thursday, March 10, 2016

Fly Fishing Film Tour in Columbus to Benefit Reel Recovery



Tonight is a night that all fly fishers in Central Ohio look forward to each Spring. Fly flickers will gather at the Gateway Film Center in Columbus for the annual showing of the Fly Fishing Film Tour.

The proceeds from tonight's show and raffle will go to benefit our new friends at Reel Recovery. We wanted to take a moment of your time and tell you a little bit about this organization.



Reel Recovery was founded in 2003 by a group of avid fly fishers, inspired by their fishing buddy's ongoing battle with brain cancer. Witnessing first-hand the beneficial impact fly fishing provided their friend, the group created Reel Recovery to provide the same opportunity for other men battling the disease.

Reel Recovery is a national non-profit organization that conducts free fly fishing retreats for men recovering from all forms of cancer. Combining expert fly fishing instruction with directed "courageous conversations", the organization offers a unique experience for men with cancer; a time to share their stories, learn a new skill, form lasting friendships, and gain renewed hope as they confront the challenges of their recovery.



Mad River Outfitters is proud to have Reel Recovery as the benefactor of the show tonight! We will be playing a video at the show but will probably not make it through the whole thing. We wanted to put up a link here so that folks can come back and watch later to learn more about who we are supporting through our Raffle donations.


For more information about Reel Recovery please visit their website at www.reelrecovery.org


Raffle tickets will be available at the show tonight and will be $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00 we will be accepting cash, credit cards or checks.

A listing of the Raffle Prizes can be found HERE or by scrolling back a Blog post or two.


Thanks again Columbus for a "sellout show" and helping yet another great cause!

Mad River Outfitters
Sponsors of the F3T Columbus, Ohio
614-451-0363

www.madriveroutfitters.com

Fishing Reports- 3/10/16


* Please remember to call us for more up-to-date or detailed information! These reports are not meant to be your one and only, daily source of information. They are typically general, even seasonal type reports and we currently don't have a set schedule as to when we update. Please, just because we don't update as often as we like, it doesn't mean that we don't care.

There are many different approaches you should take in order to get a good game plan for a trip or a day of fishing. Also remember that things change and these reports are what we know at the time of posting only. Keep in mind that we do express opinions and personal preferences from time-to-time which may be different from yours or what you may read elsewhere. Thanks for checking and don't forget to call us if you need any further information or a more up-to-date report. 614-451-0363



Mad River

***3/11/ Update- yes, we have fired our weatherman. The rain started up again after our report yesterday and just kept coming. The River shot up and blew out. It is dropping pretty quickly so the upper may fish tomorrow....the way upper. Otherwise upper river on Sunday should be good and the mid to lower river maybe late Sunday and into Monday.

Of note though....we did get a solid report of confirmed Blue Quills on Wednesday and a water temp of 52. They were spotted in good numbers around mid-day and there were good numbers of fish feeding. Could be an early season for a change? 

We'll try to keep you informed!

***Late 3/10 Update- the rain is falling and the river is rising. Hard to say what will happen overnight but right now the river is on a steady rise. The upper is still fishable but it looks like the lower will blow out here. We are all headed down to the Gateway Film Center for the F3T tonight so no more updates but we'll get right on it in the morning. Regardless, get your streamers ready.

Early 3/10 Report- Looks like the rain won't be as much as 1st reported which is good news for the weekend....or is it?

The river is in good shape. The upper is just about perfect and the lower river still has enough water to chuck the big stuff in hopes of a hog.

We have had varying reports this week. A few anglers did well over the weekend on streamers but no reports of monsters. A few anglers did not so well and a few skunks reported. It has almost always been the case that March is not our best month of fishing. Can't say why but we have always said that it's like the "calm before the storm" (Hendrickson hatch in early April). Regardless, with the Spring like weather we have been experiencing, it's still better than staying home and who's to say that you can't "buck the trend".

Did see some midges and some small Baetis/BWO types hatching over the weekend. Not much feeding but the bugs were out. No reports the past week on any Winter Black Stones but they should still be around, especially in the upper river now. Should start seeing a few of the #16 Blue Quills here as well but that is usually an upper river event. With the temps we have been experiencing, if it keeps up, we may be looking at hatches coming a bit earlier than recent years. Hard to say but we'll be watching closely here over the next 2-3 weeks. Certainly want to get to tying or buying Hendricksons any way you look at it though.

In the meantime, nymphs and streamers are the way to go. Would still have some Black Stones or Copper Johns in #14 as well as Pheasant Tails/Hendrickson Nymphs in size #14 as well as some #16 and #18 for the Blue Quill/Baetis types. If this stuff isn't working for you go bigger with a Cranefly Larva or large attractor nymph and fish them slow and deep. If fishing a cranefly might even try pulsing it a bit to get some action.

If for some reason the water fluctuates over the weekend we'll try to let you know and always remember you can call the shop if you need an up-to-the-minute report.

* On another note: We did get a call from a local landowner this week asking if we could again post about folks walking through farmer's fields. He said he had approached several folks who said that other anglers told them it was acceptable practice and/or that the farmers/landowners didn't care. This is not the case. It is simply not acceptable to most if not all of the landowners to be walking through their fields. You must stay in the river corridor. We really need to get this word out to folks so that we don't start seeing sections of the river closed all-together. Please stay in the river and out of sight of landowners!!!!


Clearfork River



***3/11/ Update- the River did blow out over the night and not looking good today or probably tomorrow. It is dropping fast and the upper may fish on Sunday.....probably not tomorrow. The lower came up to pretty much un-fishable and hard to say when they will drop it again. Hopefully on Sunday or Monday. We'll try to get a report up 1st of the week.

***Late 3/10 Update- More rain than we expected and the river is rising. The Upper looks like it will be pretty high and off color tomorrow depending on what happens overnight. They have opened up the dam a bit on the lower but it is still very fishable. Hard to say for tomorrow, watch the gauges. We are all headed down to the Gateway Film Center for the F3T tonight so no more updates but we'll get right on it in the morning. Regardless, get your streamers ready.

Early 3/10 Report- Once again, the weekend is looking pretty good on the Clearfork. The rain has yet to make much of a difference and looks like that will remain the case through the weekend. 

The Upper stretch doesn't have as much flow as it did last weekend but should still be a good bet for chucking streamers. This stretch of water has been the "sleeper" in the state all Winter. Again, good to GREAT reports of large to extra large fish caught on big streamers. Our good friend Josh Snyder got out with his Dad over the weekend and although said that the water was cold and the fish were sluggish, he did manage a nice one...pic below. Frequent contributor Mike Letizia also sent us some photos of hogs from the upper over the weekend.


Josh Snyder with a gorgeous Ohio Brown Trout from the Upper Clearfork

The lower stretch of the Clearfork is a bit on the low side right now but very fishable. Very possible that with these temps we have been seeing you could probably find some fish eating dry flies. Probably mostly midges but should start seeing some small Olives here any day now. Otherwise, stick with nymphs or streamers and you should do well.

Thanks for all of the reports from up on the Fork by the way. We really appreciate it. We'll try to get some more of the pics up here and keep sending them. Great to see this fishery doing so well this Winter. Should be a great spring.



Clear Creek


***3/11 Update- fired the weatherman. He's outta here. The creek blew out last night with the rains and probably going to be a few days here. We'll try to check-in 1st of the week.

Clear Creek is in good shape as well for the weekend. Ryan got out yesterday morning before work and did pretty well. He said that he did see some midges hatching a few fish rising to them. He stuck with streamers though and got a couple of above average fish. The larger fish seem to be holding in the deeper slots and have not moved out to feed yet but once the water warms and bugs start moving they should spread out.

If interested in smaller fish on the surface, have some Midge dries along with you. This can be super fun on a 2wt or 3wt rod! Otherwise, nymphs and streamers are the way to go here until we start seeing bugs on a regular basis.

The good news is that Clear Creek also seems to be fishing above average for this time of year and we are hopeful for a good Spring season down there. Even if not gangbuster fishing, you can't beat the scenery!



Erie Steelhead

***3/11 Update- Again, our on-staff weatherman has been fired. Hiring a new one. More rain than expected and the creeks all blew out big overnight. Not good news for the weekend. They are dropping fast but it's probably Monday before we get back out. Maybe a chance that Ashtabula fishes afternoon on Sunday? We will for sure get a full report up 1st of the week with the prognosis and may try to check in here if we find otherwise but not good for the weekend at this point. The good news is that there should be some big bright fish swimming in that high muddy water! Get ready!!!!

***Late 3/10 Update- Creeks are on the rise more than we expected. Might not be great news for tomorrow but probably great news for the weekend and into next week. The Vermilion is rising but still fishable. Same with the Rocky but it's shooting straight up. The Chagrin looks like it will blow out and be a few days. Conneaut is rising but remains fishable as we speak. This precip could put the Ash back into the game here for the weekend. Hard to say....we'll have to check 1st thing tomorrow and let you know. We are all headed down to the Gateway Film Center for the F3T tonight so no more updates but we'll get right on it in the morning. 

Early 3/10 Report- What a luxury it is to be a fly angler in Ohio eh? Especially when the steelhead are running.

It's been a great week around here. We have had guides out on the water with clients and scouting for upcoming trips and they have been doing very well. Fishing has been good to excellent and there are decent numbers of fish spread throughout the system. As long as conditions are right, you can pick a river and have a shot at steelhead. No question.



Steve Krum was out on Tuesday with Josh and got his 1st Ohio Steelhead!


Here is what our guides are telling us as of yesterday:

The Vermilion has been fishing pretty well the past few days. Not tons of fish, but they are there. Most have been on the smaller side and it looks like we are still waiting on a big push of bright Manistees to arrive. Another push of water and the V may explode with steel! As of right now the river has not budged with the rains but keep your eyes on the sky and the gauge.

The Rocky and Chagrin are both in good shape and have been fishing well. The Chagrin seems to have some larger fish but who knows...that can change in a minute. The Chargin is starting to head upwards a bit as we write but it looks like the big rain expected may hold off. Should be good to go for the weekend on either side of Cleveland.

The Grand is still a bit too high but if this rain holds off, we may be on the water there before too long. We'll try to keep you informed.

The Ashtabula is getting a bit low..might want to wait for a push of water here. Conneaut has good flow but is very clear. It's full of fish and has been fishing very well but need to stick to the smaller flies and more subdued colors.

Over the weekend we were swinging Intruder style flies and doing very well. Black and Blue as well as Blue and Pink were hot colors. As the week progressed we switched over to Eggs and Nymphs. Chartreuse eggs have been working well in stained water and Peach or Creamy Peach in the clearer water. Black Stones have been the hot ticket on nymphs but pick your poison and you should do well. In the clearer water think about basic Prince Nymphs, Pheasant Tails or Chicken Hawks.

Looking forward to a great weekend of steelhead fishing throughout the region. Get out there and let us know how you do....send some pics!

We'll update if things change for the worse as needed and for sure check-in next week for a report and more pics.




Mad River Outfitters
Fly Shop, Guides, Schools and more!

813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

Monday, March 7, 2016

F3T Raffle Items and Info


Wanted to give folks a heads-up at the Raffle items that will be available at the show on Thursday. Also just some basic details about the show.

Please do note that the show has completely SOLD OUT, we do not have any tickets left at all. 262 seats in the theater and 262 tickets sold. 

Gateway Film Center
1550 N. High St.
Columbus, Ohio 43201

Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and show starts promptly at 7:00
Beer, Cocktails, Movie Food and more available in the lobby
Mad River Outfitters, Trout Unlimted and Central Ohio Fly Fishers will have displays in the lobby
Plenty of time to purchase raffle tickets before the show or at the show intermission
Show may last until 10 depending on how quickly the raffles go

Any questions please give us a call at 614-451-0363


2016 Raffle Prizes

Raffle Tickets will be $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00. We will be accepting cash, credit cards or checks. You will be able to place tickets into a seperate container for each Gran Raffle Prize individually. General Raffle will be picked from the table as numbers are called.


Grand Prizes

* Scott G2 772/4 Fly Rod- $745.00 value- donated by Mad River Outfitters
* Yeti Tundra 50 qt Cooler- donated by Brian Flechsig
* TFO Production Rod of your choice- up to $374.99 value- donated by Ray Schmidt and TFO Fly Rods
* Coupon for 40% OFF Any Scott Fly Rod- up to $346.00 value- donated by Jerry Darkes and Scott Fly Rods
* Fishpond Native Net- $125.95 value- donated by Central Ohio Fly Fishers
* Orvis Safe Passage Anglers Day Pack- $169.00 value- donated by Madmen Chapter of TU
* Smith "Tenet" Sunglasses- $219.00 value- donated by Ben Hunting and Smith Optics
* 12 months of FREE Mama Mimis Pizza- donated by Jeff Aufdencamp


Standard Raffle Prizes

* Rio Fly Lines
* Hats
* T-Shirts
* Nippers and Hemos from Montana Fly Company
* MRO Fly Boxes
* BUFFs
* Smith Creek Accessories

We would like to thank the following for their generous donations:

Brian Flechsig- Mad River Outfitters
Ray Schmidt and Kate Smith- TFO
Ben Hunting- Sage, Redington, Rio and Smith
Jerry Darkes- Scott, Scientific Anglers, Montana Fly Company
David Halbom- Smith Creek
Jeff Aufdencamp and Mama Mimis Pizza
Central Ohio Fly Fishers
Madmen Chapter of Trout Unlimited


Tickets will be $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00 and we will be able to accept Cash, Check or Credit Cards at the show.

All proceeds go to benefit our friends at Reel Recovery-



Mad River Outfitters
813 Bethel Rd. 
Columbus, Ohio 43214
614-451-0363

Friday, March 4, 2016

Fishing Reports for 3/4/16

* Please remember to call us for more up-to-date or detailed information! These reports are not meant to be your one and only, daily source of information. They are typically general, even seasonal type reports and we currently don't have a set schedule as to when we update. Please, just because we don't update as often as we like, it doesn't mean that we don't care.

There are many different approaches you should take in order to get a good game plan for a trip or a day of fishing. Also remember that things change and these reports are what we know at the time of posting only. Keep in mind that we do express opinions and personal preferences from time-to-time which may be different from yours or what you may read elsewhere. Thanks for checking and don't forget to call us if you need any further information or a more up-to-date report. 614-451-0363



Mad River

Looking good for the weekend friends! Although still a bit chilly, and some precip in the forecast for tomorrow, still should make for a good to great weekend of trout fishing.

The Upper River is in good shape and nice and clear. The lower river is in great shape as well and still has enough water flushing that the streamer bit should be good. 

Doubtful for tomorrow but some sunshine Sunday/Monday/Tuesday combined with the increasing temps may bring some dry fly fishing? Especially in the upper river. For sure have some BWO types and some dry midges along just in case. Otherwise, your standard, table fare nymphs will be the way to go. Black stones #12-14 have still been producing as well as #14-18 nymphs that imitate the upcoming mayfly hatches.

In the lower river sling some meat and see what happens. Could be another big fish weekend? May also try some Cranefly larva fished deep and slow through the greener holes. It's time again for them to start producing fish here. Attractor nymphs like Big Nasties and Bitch Creeks could also be a good idea.

Please note that the river has been pretty crowded on the weekends. Also remember that the Mad River is....and is surrounded by private property. We have heard some horror stories of folks walking through farmers fields (stay in the river corridor at all times) and also a few bad apples being pretty disrespectful in other ways to anglers out looking to enjoy themselves. Respect is always the best avenue....it's only fishing. 

If you get out let us know how you do and we'll try to do the same early next week.


Clearfork River



Both stretches of the Clearfork looking good for the weekend. The lower is right about as high as we might deem safe so that makes for some good streamer water. It's about time somebody reports a hog from the lower river. Throw some big streamers through those deep holes below the covered bridge and see what happens?

Otherwise, probably going to be a nymphing game this weekend. Black Stones, Pheasant Tails, Green Caddis larva and the like should all produce fish. As the temperature warms and the water drops a bit more you might also keep your eyes out for surface activity. Most likely it will be on midges and you don't want to head that direction without them.

Had a few reports the past couple of days of folks doing very well on San Juan Worms in particular. Although they always work, thought we'd mention it in case they were onto something which they claim they were.

If you get out, let us know how you do!



Clear Creek


Clear Creek has come into good shape and looking good for the weekend. Should be decent fishing. Mostly a nymphing game but just like our other two trout streams, be on the lookout for any dry fly activity. It could happen especially if we get the temps predicted for early next week. Probably still midge activity but you might be lucky and see a few early BWO's.

Did have reports from a few folks that the streamer fishing down there has been good to excellent the past few days. That may taper off a bit as the water drops and clears but surely be prepared. If the big stuff doesn't work try some smaller flies like Wooly Buggers or Muddler Minnows. Be sure to let them swing in the current at the end of your retrieve also!

We have really been impressed with the reports from Clear Creek this Fall and Winter. Looking for a good to excellent season on this wonderful creek.

If you get out, try to let us know how you do! It always helps!



Erie Steelhead

Wow....thanks for the calls and the visits! We have been absolutely swamped the past two days with eager steelhead anglers. If we didn't get to your phone call......keep trying.....we'll get to it eventually. E-orders too...thanks! You can tell that steelhead are on the move, we're gonna have to stay late on Friday night to fill fly orders!

All reports have most of the creeks pretty full of bright and fiesty steelhead. It should be a great weekend for those of you that can get out...and we hope that you can. We do have guides heading out so we should have some photo evidence for you next week. Feel free to send us photos! We love to see that the equipment and flies you are ordering are working!

The Vermilion has dropped to just perfect levels. Problem is that is is still pretty dirty and may not be great yet for a few days. If you are willing to experiment, it could be a good to great idea to swing some big bright stuff and see what you come up with. If not, you might want to wait until Monday or Tuesday and see how she looks.

The Rocky and Chagrin are both coming into shape as we speak and should be good to excellent the next few days. May try swinging or stripping some flies tomorrow as they may still have some color but otherwise, the traditional eggs and nymphs will be the ticket. 

The Grand is still a few days at least from fishable. If things go our way though, we might get some lines wet mid to late next week. We are hoping to with as well as it fished in the Fall.

Ashtabula and Conneaut have both been fishing the past few days and the reports we are hearing is that fishing has been excellent. Fish are on the move so fish all of the likely holding areas. Egg patterns have been the weapon of choice but always have some nymphs with you as well. Brer Possums, Black Stones, Bloody Marys, Chicken Littles etc. They'll all catch fish! Drop a nymph below and egg, crimp on some shot, lash an indicator to that leader and go fish!!!!!

Exciting times to be a fly fisher in Ohio! We love this time of year.

Keep us informed and we'll try to do the same. With the weather and temps predicted early next week it's truly "game-on".



Mad River Outfitters
Fly Shop, Guides, Schools and more!

813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

3 New Yeti Products in Stock!


Although there are a bunch of new items from Yeti due in April, we were able to get our greasy hands on 3 of them a bit ahead of schedule and thought we'd share them here.


1. Yeti Hopper 40


The now famous Hopper soft-sided cooler is now available in the 40 size. Believe it or not, some folks were saying that the 20 or 30 wasn't quite big enough...and Yeti listened! This thing will  hold 40lbs of ice!




2.  Yeti Ice 1lb
Hard to imagine that such a simple product could be improved....but they did it! This ice substitute is filled with science, dialed-in to the most effective temperature to maximize the ice retention of ANY cooler. This new 1lb size is sure to be a hit and a great addition to the 2lb and 4lb line-up. The Yeti Ice measures 8" X 2 5/8" X 1 5/8".





3. Yeti MOLLE Zinger



Keep your multi-tools or bottle openers within arm's reach with the new Yeti MOLLE Zinger. The MOLLE Zinger easily attaches to your Yeti Hopper Hitch Point Grid or many other items these days that feature nylon webbing. It's retractable cord is made from braided bomber cord for maximum strength and durability. Add on a wide variety of field tools to the flat split-ring, from flashlights to bottle openers. 




Yeti Ramblers and Colsters now back in stock as well.....finally!!!


Stay tuned, more new products from Yeti coming in April.





Mad River Outfitters
813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
614-451-0363
admin@madriveroutfitters.com




Fishing Reports- 3/2/16


* Please remember to call us for more up-to-date or detailed information! These reports are not meant to be your one and only, daily source of information. They are typically general, even seasonal type reports and we currently don't have a set schedule as to when we update. Please, just because we don't update as often as we like, it doesn't mean that we don't care.

There are many different approaches you should take in order to get a good game plan for a trip or a day of fishing. Also remember that things change and these reports are what we know at the time of posting only. Keep in mind that we do express opinions and personal preferences from time-to-time which may be different from yours or what you may read elsewhere. Thanks for checking and don't forget to call us if you need any further information or a more up-to-date report. 614-451-0363



Mad River

Just as we were about to write up a report yesterday it started raining and did through the evening. It did bring the Mad up a bit and really should only be good news. The upper river may be good today and the lower should come into play tomorrow or Friday. For sure the lower will be looking good to great for streamer fishing through the weekend.

A few folks out this week that we have spoken to and they did ok. Mostly reports of small to medium sized fish on nymphs. Black Stones continue to work well although we have not heard any reports of adults flying around the past few days. If they are still hatching it will most likely be an upper river thing and may only last another week or so. Then we'll switch over to Hendrickson style nymphs in preparation for the hatch. The nymphs are maturing and getting active as we speak!!!

With the warmer temps coming next week we may also start seeing some of the early Blue Quills and BWO's as well. Might not be a bad idea to have a few #16-18 dries along with you just in case. Could also see some Midge activity on the surface....especially in the upper river.

We WILL get a report up on Friday and let you know how things are looking for the weekend. If you do get out, drop us a note and let us know what you find.


Clearfork River



The Upper was coming into really good shape the past few days but the rains yesterday brought it up again. Good news is that it is not too bad and should fish tomorrow if you are a good wader! The weekend saw aggressive flows but those that did get out found some nice fish on streamers of course. Our good friend Bryan Clem sent these photos:



The Lower Clearfork is in good shape as we speak. They have gradually been lowering the flows over the past few days. Hard to say if they will bump it up again with the rain yesterday. Watch the gauge if you are planning on heading up there. If it stays where it is it should fish well the next few days and into the weekend.

Again, the streamer fishing on the Clearfork has been good to fantastic for those willing to fish hard and aggressive. Otherwise, nymphing will be your best shot at catching a few fish. Not much to report on the dry fly front here as of yet but that should start to change here as we approach April.

We WILL get a report up on Friday and let you know how things are looking for the weekend. If you do get out, it's always helpful when we get reports from the field!




Clear Creek


The Creek did rise a bit with the rains yesterday but should be fishable over the next few days and into the weekend. The next few days could be good streamer fishing and could give a shot at a larger fish down there. We did have a few reports here recently of folks catching larger than normal fish on streamers.....so it can be done.

Otherwise, small nymphs and midge larva bounced along the deeper slots are your best bet right now. May even try swinging a soft hackle and see what happens.

We'll try to get some eyes on the water down there in the next few days and let you know. If you do get out, give us a shout....it always helps!



Erie Steelhead

Things are really starting to heat-up here on Steelhead Alley. Those that have made it out in the past few days are finding good to excellent numbers of bright and strong steelhead. We'll be watching the temps the next few days but pretty safe to say that it's "game-on".

The rain yesterday did bring a few of the streams up again, but we should be looking pretty good by the weekend. The Vermilion is high today and has been pretty stained, but should be worth looking at by the weekend. The Rocky and Chagrin are high today as well but are dropping nicely and should be full of fish. The Grand of course is out of the question for a bit but we'll keep a close eye on it.....as well as it fished this Fall we can't wait to get on it.

The Conneaut and Ashtabula are both actually fishable today and both fishing pretty well. Most reports have been that fish were starting to pile in and were eating the standard eggs and nymphs below an indicator. 

We have guide trips starting up this weekend and should be able to get some evidence posted here but if anybody wants to submit....we're happy to share here. We love to see happy anglers holding pounds of chrome!

We'll get a report up on Friday and let you know how the weekend looks!



Mad River Outfitters
Fly Shop, Guides, Schools and more!

813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363